TL;DR
- Complete 7 challenges across free and Battle Pass categories for maximum Battle Stars
- Use Sneaky Snowman strategically in different matches for easy completion
- Master location-specific eliminations at Junk Junction and Retail Row
- Optimize your approach to multi-stage challenges for efficient progression
- Leverage Stormwing planes and shotgun tactics for premium challenge completion
The competitive landscape of Fortnite’s frozen island intensifies as we enter Week 9 of Season 7. While the winter wonderland setting creates a picturesque backdrop, players must remain vigilant against both human opponents and the persistent threat of ice monsters roaming the map. This week introduces a fresh set of objectives that arrived alongside recent seismic events, providing opportunities to accumulate valuable Battle Stars for Battle Pass progression.
Season 7’s winter theme continues to dominate the gameplay experience, with snow-covered terrain affecting movement and visibility. The latest patch introduced environmental changes that impact strategy, making adaptation crucial for success. Completing these weekly missions accelerates your Battle Pass advancement, unlocking exclusive cosmetic items and rewards as you climb through the tiers.

Beyond the standard challenge lineup, Epic Games has incorporated additional Showtime Poster objectives that offer supplementary rewards. These bonus tasks provide alternative pathways to earn experience and customization options beyond the primary challenge structure.
Players accessing Fortnite without a premium Battle Pass can tackle three core challenges this week. The free tier focuses on item utilization, location-specific combat, and progressive multi-stage objectives that test your navigation and timing skills.
Sneaky Snowman Deployment Strategy: The requirement to use Sneaky Snowman items across three separate matches encourages tactical experimentation. These winter-themed decoys serve multiple purposes—deploy them as temporary cover during firefights, use them to confuse opponents in close-quarters combat, or position them as bait to set up ambushes. Since you need to complete this across different matches, consider carrying Snowmen in your inventory during early-game rotations when encounters are more frequent.
Location Elimination Mastery: Securing three eliminations at either Junk Junction or Retail Row demands map knowledge and positioning awareness. Junk Junction offers vertical advantages with its scrap metal mountains, while Retail Row provides numerous buildings for tactical positioning. For optimal results, land at these locations immediately after the battle bus route begins to encounter less-prepared opponents.
Multi-Stage Retail Row Challenge: This progressive objective begins with landing at Retail Row, but subsequent stages will require additional actions across the map. The initial landing phase should be executed carefully—aim for rooftops or less congested areas to avoid early elimination before completing the first stage.
Premium Battle Pass holders gain access to four additional challenges that significantly boost Battle Star acquisition. These objectives test diverse skills from precision shooting to aerial vehicle mastery, rewarding players who have invested in the seasonal content.
Golden Balloon Locations and Techniques: Popping ten golden balloons requires thorough exploration and sharp eyesight. These shimmering objectives typically appear in elevated positions—attached to buildings, suspended between structures, or floating above key landmarks. Equip weapons with precise sights for accurate popping, and listen for the distinctive metallic shimmering sound that signals nearby balloons.
Shotgun Elimination Tactics: Securing three shotgun eliminations demands close-quarters combat proficiency. The tactical shotgun offers balanced performance, while the pump variant delivers devastating damage at the cost of fire rate. Position yourself in confined spaces where shotguns excel, such as inside buildings or through narrow corridors where your opponents cannot maintain optimal engagement distance.
Stormwing Time Trial Execution: Completing two timed trials using the X-4 Stormwing plane tests aerial maneuverability and navigation skills. Identify trial locations before entering the aircraft, and practice efficient flight paths to shave precious seconds off your completion time. Remember that Stormwings handle differently than ground vehicles—master banking turns and altitude control for optimal performance.
Multi-Stage Dance Challenge Progression: This sequence begins with dancing on a sundial, with subsequent stages requiring similar emotes on different objects. The initial sundial location is typically found in drier biomes away from the snowy regions, so plan your route accordingly.
Maximizing your efficiency in Week 9 requires strategic planning and awareness of common pitfalls. Experienced players can complete most challenges within 2-3 hours of focused gameplay, while newcomers should allocate 4-5 hours accounting for learning curves and failed attempts.
Time Management Approach: Group similar challenges together to minimize redundant effort. For example, tackle the Retail Row elimination challenge simultaneously with the multi-stage landing objective. Similarly, combine golden balloon hunting with other exploration-based tasks to optimize your route across the island.
Common Challenge Pitfalls: Many players struggle with the Stormwing time trials due to inadequate vehicle familiarity. Practice basic flight mechanics in less congested areas before attempting the official trials. Another frequent mistake involves using Sneaky Snowmen in the same match multiple times—remember the requirement specifies different matches, so one deployment per game suffices.
Advanced Combat Techniques: For the shotgun elimination challenge, consider carrying multiple shotgun variants to adapt to different engagement scenarios. The heavy shotgun excels at medium range, while the pump shotgun dominates in close-quarters encounters. Position yourself near supply drops or high-traffic areas where close-range combat naturally occurs.
Progression Optimization: Complete easier challenges first to accumulate Battle Stars quickly, then focus on more time-intensive objectives. The multi-stage challenges often have hidden time requirements between stages, so avoid attempting them during final storm circles when survival takes priority.
For comprehensive strategies on weapon selection and loadout optimization, check out our BF6 Weapons Unlock Guide which covers similar tactical principles. Additionally, understanding class roles can significantly impact your challenge completion efficiency—our Class Guide provides valuable insights into specialization benefits.
Action Checklist
- Deploy one Sneaky Snowman in three separate matches during early-game encounters
- Land at Retail Row and secure three eliminations at either Junk Junction or Retail Row
- Locate and pop ten golden balloons across the map
- Achieve three shotgun eliminations in close-quarters combat situations
- Complete two Stormwing timed trials with optimized flight paths
- Complete the multi-stage dance challenge starting with the sundial emote
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Fortnite Challenges Guide: Sundial Dance, Pop Golden Balloons, And More (Week 9, Season 7) Master Fortnite Season 7 Week 9 challenges with expert strategies, time-saving tips, and Battle Star optimization techniques
